The themes of Agenda 2010 were
developed in October 2000.Despite this, some of the communities from black and minority
ethnic origin are not aware of its importance.This is partly because since its
conception engagement with black and minority ethnic communities has
been slow.The community and
voluntary sector have a part to play in ensuring that BME communities
are aware and engaged with Agenda 2010.

The Ethnic Health Forum (EHF) has identified this gap and has
produced this Agenda 2010 CD ROM in 5 languages to facilitate interest
among those members of black and minority ethnic communities whose first
language is other than English. It is hoped that this effort will
improve local communities participation in the Agenda 2010

Agenda 2010 is a partnership led by Manchester Council for Community
Relations, the Progress Trust, Jobcentre Plus, the NHS, Manchester
Education Department and Greater Manchester Police, to tackle racism and
racial discrimination in the city over a ten-year period.

The government has four indicators to measure its strategy to tackle
the problems of the poorest neighbourhoods;
less crime better qualifications, more jobs & better health.

1. Crime and Disorder

Crime and disorder has a disproportionate impact on black and ethnic
minority communities who are more likely to become victims of crime and
are more likely to be arrested and convicted of offences. The British
Crime Survey shows that black and Irish people are treated
differentially at all stages of the criminal justice process.

2. Education

Agenda 2010 will look at lifelong education but in the first year will
focus on schools. African and Caribbean children make up 9% of
Manchester's school population, but 27% of permanent exclusions.

Racial discrimination is likely to be a factor in high unemployment in
many poor neighbourhoods. Young African-Caribbean men are two to three
times likely to be jobless as white men with similar qualifications.

4. Health

Evidence suggests that Black and minority communities face barriers to
health services and have poorer health than the majority community. This
is also the case for mental health, where there is an
over-representation of BME people in mental health institutions.

The EHF will welcome and expect to receive feedback from everyone. You
will find a feedback link at the end that will take you directly to EHF
website (depending on your connection to internet) where either you can
fill the form or simply leave your comments. Thank You.

We acknowledge VAM support in funding this project and Agenda 2010 team
for their support